Fitness: it’s the most important factor a team concentrates on when deciding on whether to purchase a player or not. If the player is not fit, then he is rubbish. If he’s beyond fit, then he’s worth a possible $100 million dollar raise. So, there’s an interesting scenario brewing up in Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo is currently riding the high seas on vacation, but officials from the Portuguese FA insinuated today that he’s about to go under the knife in two or three days. Manchester United are completely flabbergasted by the idea, but wouldn’t this help them keep Real Madrid out of the picture?

Although it is still unclear whether he will be playing for United or Real next season, Ronaldo’s camp are confident he will be fit for the beginning of the new season.

If anything, the operation and Ronaldo’s recuperation in his homeland is likely to work to Real’s advantage, with the winger away from United and any influence upon him to stay in Manchester.

United are, however, insisting no decision has yet been made as to whether Ronaldo will need surgery on his right ankle.

But United, who issued a statement last night about Ronaldo’s injury, are baffled by those comments.

Sir Alex Ferguson: has yet to speak to his errant winger Ronaldo

A club spokesman reiterated: ‘Procedures are in place to seek specialist advice, in order to finalise the treatment plan as soon as possible.’

So if he goes under the knife, then he won’t be attending the planned July 14th pre-season training at Man United’s camp, but he’ll still be wearing the Red Devil’s colors. And at 23, Cristiano’s regeneration and rehabilitation are more profound now then they ever will be. Which means Man United could possibly afford to allow Ronaldo to repair his ankle. Well, only if he needs it. Yeah. it’s that complicated. We’ll stay tuned to this one and see what Real’s lackeys have to say about it.

United in row with Portugal medics who claim that Real target Cristiano will undergo ankle surgery [Daily Mail]
Image [Tribune India]